After painstaking deliberation, we have chosen the 12 finalists for the PEPSI Cheerleader Uniform for Copa Lagos 2011 on BellaNaija.com Contest!

Every single entry wsd evaluated by the BN team. As we did not explicitly disqualify multiple entries in the contest announcement, all entries were evaluated.
Rest assured that every entry was given fair consideration.

Criteria for Shortlisting

Design Innovation and Creativity

Integration of the Pepsi colours

Appropriateness for the purpose (i.e cheerleading)

As this is not a sketching contest, quality of sketches was not a factor, rather the design was the main focus. As you can see from the finalists selected, there were different types of sketches submitted.

For candidates who submitted explanatory writeups, this has been included below. However, the quality of the note was not evaluated and did not play a role in judging.

We were TOTALLY blown away by the quality and quantity of entries from all over the country! From our youngest entrant – Little Miss Demi (age 9) to all the others – we will like to say a big THANK YOU to all the participants! We are sincerely grateful. Please do not be discouraged if you did not make the shortlist.

Please vote for your favourite. We are also looking forward to your comments.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name: Omeruo ObinnaAge: 21
The Pepsi Copa Lagos beach soccer event is one that would bring fun and exercise to mind, so when I put pen to paper to design these outfits I thought of exciting colourful outfits that would bring out the ‘cheer’ in the spectators and give them something to chat about.

The outfits were inspired by the average youthful girl cheerleader and how she would love to look stylish while doing something she loves. I also drew inspiration from comic superheroines and the way they look supercool in their costumes. So I got these designs by mixing up both factors.

As for the fabric choice to be used it would have to be mainly Jersey because it stretches well and if cut properly would look fabulous on all the cheerleaders. Also some outfits would require shiny buttons and glittering fabric/material to execute the detailing and add some sparkle to the outfits. Colour arrangements can definitely be rearranged to give the cheerleaders a little variety altogether.
I hope these scanned copies portray the outfits properly because they are more beautiful in hard copy. Thank you.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________Name: Dickson Sunday EtimAge: 33
My proposed fabric of choice is a combination Nylon and Spandex. Nylon dries fast is made of strong fibers and fits the body well while Spandex is in almost every swimsuit because of its desirable elasticity. I’m looking at 70% Nylon and 30% Spandex.
My key influences for my design were PEPSI – for the colours of the uniform / Copa Lagos Beach Soccer Logo for the Star line on the top and bottom / The Beach – for the outfit style (Bum Shorts & Tank Top Styled Tee) and African Culture – Bracelets and Anklets.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name: Uzoamaka OkorieAge: 34
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name: Olukoya OladapoAge: 27 Its indeed a great honour and priviledge to participate in making a sketch for designing the cheerleader uniform for COPA Lagos, according to the brief Copa Lagos is a Beach Soccer, and beach is a place where by one wants to move freely with a very light cloths on, so i choose to design a jersy uniform, in my design I’ve been able to put together the look and feel of a football partern using a polygon, looking at it deeply I form a trendy native design that yoruba people called (Tinko) also I’ve been able to depict a brand with the brand partten and colours, this I call cheerleader uniform design for Copa Lagos.

Materials to be used: polyester and net, for easy wear and to enable breeze penetrate.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name: Ntukokwu Obinna Samuel LAge: 23
A cheerleader’s costume is designed strictly for identification. My look is inspired by a leg kicking a can of Pepsi from both sides having the content burst out, forming the pompom. The pompom would be the content, made with aluminium foil and ribbons; brown, silver and gold colour. The Shell (top) has the Pepsi logo in front, the “legs” forming the sleeve down, then blue back; stopping a little below the Midriff. The Skirt is in two shades of Red, all made of Polyester “jersey-like” material. The neck line metallic colour to form the top of the Pepsi can.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name: Michael OhwokaAge: 20
Hey I really don’t know a lot about fabrics…but I think I’ll just describe it:
Dotted lines: shiny silver color
Hairy Style around the neck & skirt: white fur like
Line on the left hand: silvery blue & red
blue strips: shiny glossy fabric
others: elastic fabric kind ofInspiration for Design
I have never done any uniform sketch before so when I heard about the challenge I just told my graphics friends about it but they all ignored. I then decided that since there was nothing to lose on this one let me give it a try…and here I am.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name: Maduadichie Maureen .O.Age: 19
Fabric material – Silk and Sari
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name: Liadi BolajiAge: 35
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name: Korede AwofuwaAge: 23
I’m very glad to be part of this creative opportunity. I’m an artist and I love challenges, splendid artworks and originality in creativity. My uniform design is attached herewith. I believe the uniform should be sexy,simplicity,comfortabilty and style also matter here so the red rose, and the folded fabric (probably tafeta material) forming pleats is the concept. I’ve put in place here. Thanks.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name: Ifeneme PamelaAge: 19
The best choice of fabric I would recommend for this cheer-leading uniform is polyester woven fabric, because of it’s shiny surface, texture and it’s breathable. The skirt of this uniform is a little shorter by the sides than in front, allowing the small shorts which is joint underneath the skirt show at the sides. I was inspired by many American high school movies I’ve seen. And always thought about beach and fun while designing.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name: Ayo IloriAge: 25
Fun, flirty and colorful are words that popup when I describe my vision for this piece. Inspired mostly by the Pepsi logo and a checker patterned football, I chose to reflect similar curves. The curved cut-out in front forms a partial view of the letter “P”, inspired by the name PEPSI while the cut-out behind, forms a “C”, for the name COPA. The proposed fabric choice is Jersey. A few heat transfers here and there. . . appliques, buttons . . .and there’s the dress!

I do hope it’s loved and I’m grateful for the opportunity to show it. Thank you!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name: Ian Chukwuma AudifferenAge: 21
This is my take on the Cheerleader outfit for the Pepsi challenge.
I was inspired by the cheerleaders of the 50’s and 60’s where it was modest, minimal and chick, and all about cheerleading. A time where form met function. I tried to translate this aesthetic to my design, but in a modern silhouette. Minimalist top with the pepsi logo over laid on the neck line ( half in the front,
and half in the back) making a neck applique. The back with a racer-detail (from a lighter more breathing fabric) for aeration, and anti-perspiration.

The skirt is pleated with a side ‘tassel/ pop-pom’ detail, to keep with the spirit of cheering and crowd excitement. its is a mini, but a bit longer than the stereotypical cheerleaders skirt, I kept it a bit short because of safety reasons, it is a sport and the girls will require freedom. **But to be worn under the skirt is a pair of polyester-spandex tights to keep the wearer covered and decent. This is my design. I believe its minimal, classy and sexy (without being over-sexy).
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Congrats to all the finalists!
Please VOTE.
Voting closes on Sunday 11th December 2011

Bella naija, you shouldn’t base the results on votes coz it will become a “popularity contest” instead of a talent competition. The designs leading, are in no way the best (my opinion). If i was in the competition i could get all my friends and friends of friends to vote for my design but don’t think it would be appropriate for you to allow this to happen.

i can see why everyone thinks maureen should win. nice use of colours, but I think Ian did a great job. a very understated and classy design his is up to date (fashion wise) but also timeless. i think he should win. He gets my vote.

i love Ian Audifferen too.. its sexy and different yet sweet and simple plus bringing the oldies back is the latest trend. his description shows he thought it out very well too (choice of fabric and design/style choice)and i love how and where the logo is ” Minimalist top with the pepsi logo over laid on the neck line ( half in the front,and half in the back) “. makes sense.
anyways, its great to see competitions like this and may the best design win .
i’m hoping its not just going to be based on popularity..maybe this whole voting thing can be used to get the top 6 and then the best design will be selected from there. *my opinion*
goodluck to everyone 😀

Abeg, Maureen’s is the best.
Ehen, so what if it is silk and sari?
They can change the material.
Hers (with Ian’s) is the classiest. The other outfits are “barely there”.
It’s a design competition for a CHEERLEADING OUTFIT not a swimming suit or underwear.

Ian’s style is well thought out and consistent. Cheer leading is a sport..the clothes are suppose to be comfortable and suitable for the sport and the environment. It’s the perfect outfit for full figured and petite ladies. It would look good on anyone. My vote goes out to him. Every other one kinda has the same thing going on. Nothing else struck as much as his did…. He is the most creative so far. Kuddos Ian.

And how were the 12 finalists chosen and how do we know it was free and fair? I thought were supposed to vote for the winner. How am i sure beautifuk designs weren’t shortlisted. Na Wa. 9ja pple and ojoro. If u like don’t publish my comment, but i know u already saw it.

Omeruo, makes more sense when compared to the lot selected by BN. Are you sure this was the best? or where you just tired of seeing so many sketches you selected the ugliest? Not impressed, but if you are certain this is all you can get. then i will say Omeruo.

am so impressed @ Obinna Omeruo, Micheal Ohwoka and Ayo ilori, that i cannot decide the winner, their styles are so nice and creative, thumbs up guys. The competition should just be streamlined to the three of you, cos as far as am concerned, this show is just about the three of you…..go guys

i think the winner should not be based on the votes. ive not seen the names of most people commenting here before on BN. let the best win biko nu, not somebody whose friends and family voted for and is not the best. #tharrisall

bella naija, u pple should not base ur conclusions on u got the highest vote, cos a contestant could get his entire generation to vote for him or her, u guys should bring in proffesional hands to take a final look at those sketches and bring out the best among them. that way u knw dat d best manwon

as a cheerleader your outfit is supposed to be free cos dre is goin to be a lot of jumping up and down abi people are voting for maureen because her out fit is fashionable she should sell it to LDS or on of dese degigners she myt even get more dan the 250k but from my own opinion its not good for cheerleadin becos i dont see any comfort in this outfit AYO ILORI has to be it for me. then again abeg abeg whats with the heely shoes and the ankle boots we nigerians like over doin soin na cheerleadin no be party ushers.

Excuse me but You sound ignorant…yes its supposed to be free… they wear shorts under their skirts…that you are a cheerleader doesnt mean you have to be skimpy…stop lookin at movies…even in its origin USA…they donyt always wear skimpy outfits…i was in the team, when i was in Uk and our uniform was a bit covered like maureens….as long as the skirt is free you wear tights, shorts under…they all got teh design of a cheerleader right in their own ways….cheerleader does not always equal naked…it could be a short skirt, full top and undershorts…as for the material…they could always change it.

@ babe it was rather rude for u 2 say am ignorant!! Incase u want to knw, am a professional dancer I knw what it feels like 2 be free and comfortable!! It is really bad wen u cnt get air into ur body!!

Personally i would say maureen and pamela…..I also like ian & ayo…Maureens own is stylish and free as well…yes cheerleaders can wera full outfits it doesnt always have to be revealing ..look at Usa & Uk..as long as is free its fine…and this is Nigeria, the average person doesnt have a flat tommy so it is not really realistic…..so i would say Maureen …stylish, elegant and appropriate

I like Ifeneme work because it was natural and creative…Some where using already made graphic applications like Photoshop and 3D to achieve their work of art which is outside the scope of the competition, I adore Maureen and Obinna work…Nice one and thumbs up.

Bella, if u notice the trend of competitions where the winner is left to the public to decide, most times its not the person that deserves it most that wins. That said, it will be better if u base d winner on 50% voters opinion and 50% opinion of ppl in the sports/fashion industry…..and if these are the tp 12 designs, i can only imagine wat some other looked like, cos we ave like 5 major missesin this top 12….personally i think Obinna Omerwuo has the best design…chic, classy, sporty and all that…..cheerleading requires a lot of jumping, y come out in an ankaraish gown or skirt and blouse???????

i think there are a few good shortlist, while others i question. however without a doubt the BEST is Ian. Look how stylish, mordern, timeless, chick and comfy it looks. ‘ form does meet function’ VOTE IAN i am.

In my opinion, Ayo’s got the best presentation. Also, I see where he’s going with his story. I get it and I like it. But BN should pls do an investigation whether its all hand sketched or graphic-aided. If he’s “clean”, then my vote goes to Ayo Ilori all the way.

Obinna Omeruo’s work is contemporary,originally and achievable. He really deserves to be handed the 1st position and every gift that comes with it. this will encourage more of such works that can pass in any art gallery shop. Ayo will be second.

Ayo has the best design, hands down that represents what cheerleading is about. However, I like to appreciate people who hand sketch. So, I will go for Obinna, well thought and put together. Also, Maureen very fashionable, and classy. Interesting, Okorie is the least of my favorite.

as 4 me, ayo’s design is quite good but here in nigeria, u wouldn’t want a situation whereby all of your body parts are been revealed….check out sprite triple slam to see what am talking about….that said, i would go for Michael Ohwoka…

Thumbs up to all †̥ђ
ξ designers…they all deserve to be part of †̥ђξ best 12… Bt I knw Olukoya Oladapo’s design i̶̲̥̅̊s̶̲̅ still †̥ђξ best so far. He brought in cultural relevance into his design. Cheerleader’s costume shld be very comfortable…he has done justice to that.
He i̶̲̥̅̊s̶̲̅ also detailed, like hw he gave prominence to Pepsi’s logo. he also wnt as far as doing a male’s design. Male cheerlead too!

thumbs up to all the designers….they all deserve to be part of the best 12….bt I knw Olukoya Oladapo’s design is the best so far. thumbs up for his originality in terms of the cultural relevance to his design. Cheerleader’s costume shld be comfortable, he has done justice to that.
He is also detailed. Like he gave prominence to Pepsi’s logo. He also went as far designing a male’s costume. I dance, and we do’have male cheerleaders too! in terms of confort, two other design are similar to Olukoya’s, bt his is insightful.

Ok pple, let’s not judge based on relatnshp with contestants. I see maureen has done a good job gathering her fans, buh pls let’s be properly guided and sincere with our votes. For me, AYO ILORI is one of d best here, graphic or no graphic. To d lady who talked bout cheerleading in d UK, have u thot of thinking outside d box? Not everything u see abroad must apply.

I vote for Uzoamaka. That design is world class. Not local at all. For those that have eyes. It is what the most popular designer will come up with if the girls are to cheer in front of Obama, Mrs Sirleaf, Desmond Tutu and Fashola.
Period. That’s what we need. Worldclass. Because Pepsi is worldclass

Let’s not talk much… cheerleading is about the simplicity yet the style, now we don’t want the pepsi cheerleaders to be feeling pretty uncomfortable in their outfits. OBINNA NTUKOKWU SAMUEL aka NAKED-PHOBIA has the best desing. the style is on point and it will help the ladies perform at their peak.

Too bad I didn’t see this on time, I woulda aced it!!!
Bella naija, when do we get to see the result. . . . Who’s the winner????
Better be Ayo Ilori, if not ojoro ooooooo!!!! Lol. . . It’s obvious he/she is the best here.